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A Curriculum Vitae

Also called a CV or vita, the curriculum vitae is, as its name suggests, an overview of your life's
accomplishments, most specifically those that are relevant to the academic realm. In the United
States, the curriculum vitae is used almost exclusively when one is pursuing an academic job.
The curriculum vitae is a living document, which will reflect the developments in a
scholar/teacher's career, and thus should be updated frequently.

When should job seekers use a curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as CV, rather than a
resume? In the United States, a curriculum vitae is used primarily when applying for academic,
education, scientific or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or
grants.

When asking for a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, expect to submit a CV rather
than a resume. Keep in mind that overseas employers often expect to read the type of personal
information on a curriculum vitae that would never be included on an American resume, such as
date of birth, nationality and place of birth. United States law on what information job applicants
can be asked to provide does not apply outside the country.

The Differences between a Resume and a CV

There are several differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. A curriculum vitae is a
longer (up to two or more pages), more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. A CV
includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and
research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. As
with a resume, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions.

Like a resume, a curriculum vitae should include your name, contact information, education,
skills and experience. In addition to the basics, a CV includes research and teaching experience,
publications, grants and fellowships, professional associations and licenses, awards and other
information relevant to the position you are applying for. Start by making a list of all your
background information, then organize it into categories. Make sure you include dates on all the
publications you include.
Curriculum Vitae Format

Your Contact Information


Name
Address
Telephone
Cell Phone
Email

Personal Information
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Citizenship
Visa Status
Gender

Optional Personal Information


Marital Status
Spouse's Name
Children

Employment History
List in chronological order, include position details and dates
Work History
Academic Positions
Research and Training

Education
Include dates, majors, and details of degrees, training and certification
High School
University
Graduate School
Post-Doctoral Training

Professional Qualifications
Certifications and Accreditations
Computer Skills

Awards

Publications

Books
Professional Memberships

Interests

Review CV Samples

It's often helpful to take a look at a sample or two before you start writing. Here are a selection of
sample CVs, including versions for academia and for international employment, to review:

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/cvsamples/a/blsamplecv.htm

Further information on how to construct a CV:


http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/641/01/
John Smith
Street, City, State, Zip
Phone: 555-555-5555
Cell: 555-666-6666
email@email.com

Objective:

Assistant Professor, Psychology

Education:

Ph.D., Psychology, University of Minnesota, 2006


Concentrations: Psychology, Community Psychology
Dissertation: A Study of Learning Disabled Children in a Low Income Community

M.A., Psychology, University at Albany, 2003


Concentrations: Psychology, Special Education
Thesis: Communication Skills of Learning Disabled Children

B.A, Psychology, California State University, Long Beach, CA, 2000

Experience:

Instructor, 2004 - 2006


University of Minnesota
Course: Psychology in the Classroom

Teaching Assistant, 2002 - 2003


University at Albany
Courses: Special Education, Learning Disabilities

Research Skills:

Extensive knowledge of SPSSX and SAS statistical programs.

Presentations:

Smith John (2006). The behavior of learning disabled adolescents in the classrooms. Paper presented at
the Psychology Conference at the University of Minnesota.

Publications:

Smith, John (2005). The behavior of learning disabled adolescents in the classroom. Journal of
Educational Psychology, 120 - 125.

Grants and Fellowships:

 RDB Grant (University of Minnesota Research Grant, 2005), $2000


 Workshop Grant (for ASPA meeting in New York, 2004), $1500
Awards and Honors:

 Treldar Scholar, 2005


 Academic Excellent Award, 2003

Skills and Qualifications:

 Microsoft Office, Internet


 Programming ability in C++ and PHP
 Fluent in German, French and Spanish

References:

Excellent references available upon request.

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